Differentiated Instruction

In the first cluster of Anita Woolfolk's textbook Educational Psychology I was very interested in the section on differentiated learning.  Essentially, differentiated learning is considering the needs, backgrounds, culture, and learning styles of each individual student.  Then, tailoring your lesson plans, curriculum, and instruction in order to teach to the individual.  As a student in the education program, or a beginning teacher, this may seem like a daunting and impossible idea implement.  The video below provides some great ideas on how to utilize differentiated instruction in the classroom.

This video shows ideas on how to use small groups, modeling, partner work, individual work, and organization (just to name a few) in the classroom to help differentiate instruction to the individual learner.  By using differentiated instruction you are empowering each individual  student and enabling them to feel comfortable, challenged, and engaged in their learning.